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Flintoff throws his weight behind Pietersen captaincy

04/08/2008

Andrew Flintoff has backed the decision to name Kevin Pietersen as England captain.

He has also supported the 28-year-old Pietersen by saying he doesn't expect him to suffer any loss of form as a result of the pressures of captaincy.

"The one thing we don't want is for Kevin to change," Flintoff said. "He averages 50-plus in Test and one-day cricket and he is an unbelievable talent.

"Everyone will ask 'will his batting be affected?' But knowing Kevin, he will probably average 70 as captain.

"You know what he is like. As soon as he is put under the pump, and people start saying things about him, he comes back and gets a big score. I would imagine he will do that this time.

"I am sure he will take to captaincy in his stride."

Flintoff knows all about the pressures of being England captain, having led the side for 11 Tests while Michael Vaughan was injured, and warned Pietersen that it is an all-encompassing role.

"It is a tough job,” Flintoff added. "It's not just about being on the field, moving the field about and changing the bowlers around.

"The thing is trying to leave it on the cricket field. There is a lot off the field as well and I took it home with me from time to time. That is what I found a bit hard about the job.

"Michael said it affected him at home and he took the work home – it is hard not to. It is a hard job, but it can be very rewarding as well if you get the results."